The Marseille Stadium, officially known as the Stade Vélodrome, is a prominent sports venue in Marseille, France. Opened in 1937, it serves as the home ground for Olympique de Marseille, one of France’s most successful football clubs. The stadium has also hosted international matches, including games during the FIFA World Cup in 1938 and 1998, as well as the UEFA European Championships in 1960, 1984, and 2016.
Initially designed as a multi-purpose venue, the Stade Vélodrome has undergone several renovations and upgrades. The most significant redevelopment took place ahead of UEFA Euro 2016, which increased its seating capacity to approximately 67,000. This transformation made it one of the largest stadiums in France. The roof was also redesigned, providing better shelter and enhancing the stadium’s acoustics.
Apart from football, the Stade Vélodrome is a venue for rugby matches and concerts. It has hosted rugby games for the Rugby World Cup in 2007 and will host matches again for the 2023 Rugby World Cup. The stadium is also used for domestic rugby competitions, including Top 14 and European club rugby games.
The stadium is located in the southern part of Marseille, easily accessible by public transport, including the metro and buses. It is a central landmark of the city, attracting both sports fans and tourists. Its unique architectural design and significant cultural impact make it a key part of Marseille's identity.
Managed by Arema, a private company, the Stade Vélodrome generates revenue through ticket sales, events, and corporate hospitality. It continues to be a versatile venue, contributing to Marseille’s reputation as a hub for sports and entertainment. Its rich history and modern facilities ensure its continued importance in both French and international sports.
The Stade Vélodrome, located in Marseille, France, was inaugurated in 1937. It was initially designed as a multi-purpose stadium, primarily for football and cycling. The construction was part of a national initiative to develop sports infrastructure in France during the 1930s. Designed by architect Henri Ploquin, the original stadium had a seating capacity of around 35,000 and included a cycling track.
The Stade Vélodrome was first used internationally during the 1938 FIFA World Cup, hosting a quarter-final match. Over the following decades, the stadium became the home ground for Olympique de Marseille, the city’s football club established in 1899. This association solidified its position as a prominent football venue in France.
In 1984, the Stade Vélodrome underwent its first significant renovation to host matches for the UEFA European Championship. The cycling track was removed to focus on football, increasing the seating capacity to around 42,000. The stadium hosted group stage matches and a semi-final during the tournament.
The next major transformation occurred in 1998 for the FIFA World Cup. The seating capacity was expanded to approximately 60,000, and several facilities were modernised. The stadium hosted several key matches, including a semi-final, further establishing its reputation on the global stage.
Ahead of UEFA Euro 2016, the Stade Vélodrome underwent a comprehensive renovation. This included the addition of a large roof covering all stands, improvements to acoustics, and an increased seating capacity of 67,000. These changes were completed in 2014, and the revamped stadium was inaugurated with a Ligue 1 match.
In addition to football, the Stade Vélodrome has hosted rugby matches, including the Rugby World Cup in 2007 and 2023, as well as domestic and European club rugby competitions. It is also a popular venue for large concerts and cultural events.
Today, the Stade Vélodrome is managed by Arema and remains a key landmark in Marseille. It serves as a hub for sports and entertainment, attracting fans and tourists alike. Its modern facilities and rich history make it one of the most important stadiums in France.
An ideal location was identified for the Stade Vélodrome in the southern part of Marseille, France. Situated in the Saint-Giniez neighbourhood, the site offered excellent accessibility and the potential for future development. Construction began in 1935, and the stadium officially opened on 13 June 1937. Initially, it was designed as a multi-purpose venue, accommodating both football and cycling events, with a seating capacity of 35,000.
The Stade Vélodrome was developed as part of a national infrastructure programme in the 1930s, with its initial design by architect Henri Ploquin. Its name was derived from the cycling track (or vélodrome) that surrounded the playing field. The venue hosted its first major event during the 1938 FIFA World Cup, marking its importance in international sports from its inception.
In 1984, the cycling track was removed, and the stadium was refurbished to focus solely on football, increasing its seating capacity. This redevelopment aligned with Marseille’s hosting of UEFA European Championship matches, further establishing its role as a premier football venue.
The most significant upgrade occurred before the UEFA Euro 2016 tournament. The stadium underwent a comprehensive renovation, including the construction of a distinctive roof covering all seating areas, vastly improving comfort for spectators and enhancing the acoustics. The seating capacity was expanded to 67,000, making it one of the largest stadiums in France. The renovated Stade Vélodrome was inaugurated in 2014, hosting a Ligue 1 match.
In addition to hosting Olympique de Marseille matches, the Stade Vélodrome is a key venue for rugby, concerts, and cultural events. It has hosted Rugby World Cup matches in 2007 and 2023 and continues to serve as a versatile space for a variety of activities.
The stadium features state-of-the-art facilities, including VIP areas, hospitality suites, and advanced technology for event management. Its accessibility by public transport and its central location make it a landmark in Marseille. Today, managed by Arema, the Stade Vélodrome symbolises Marseille's sporting spirit and remains a hub for both local and international events.
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